The Red Mole Prophecy : A Concubine's Rise (BL)

Chapter 20:THE LOVE OF A MOTHER

"Following his meeting with General Wei, Rong Xiang made his way to the imperial quarters of his mother,  Imperial consort Li. Upon entering the ornate chambers, he was greeted by her serene presence and a gentle smile, which belied the sharp intellect and political acumen that lay beneath. Resplendent in a silk robe of celestial blue, intricately embroidered with golden phoenixes, she exuded an aura of elegance and refinement. Her raven hair, adorned with pearls and jade, cascaded down her back like a waterfall of night, framing a face that was still breathtakingly beautiful at 39 years old. Her eyes, like sapphires shining bright in the morning dew, sparkled with warmth and intelligence, captivating all who beheld her. It was no wonder that the Emperor had fallen deeply in love with her 19 years ago, at Marquis Li's birthday celebration, where she had shone like a star among stars."

"Guifei Li's tender eyes softened further as she opened her arms to embrace her son. Rong Xiang felt a sense of comfort and security as he was enveloped in her warm embrace, the scent of jasmine and rose petals filling his senses. She held him close, her hands stroking his back in a soothing gesture, as if to calm the turmoil that had been brewing within him.

'My dear child,' she whispered, her voice like a gentle breeze on a summer's day. 'I can see the weight of the world bearing down on you. Come, tell your mother all that troubles you.'

Rong Xiang felt a lump form in his throat as he hugged his mother back, feeling a sense of gratitude for her unwavering support and love. He knew that he could always count on her to be his rock, his confidante, and his guiding light in the treacherous waters of the imperial court."

"As Rong Xiang recounted his encounter with Rong Muyang, Concubine Li's face twisted in anger, her eyes flashing like lightning on a stormy night. She clenched her handkerchief so tightly that her knuckles turned white, her gaze burning with an intensity that made Rong Xiang feel uneasy.

'That wicked woman!' she spat, her voice low and venomous. 'Concubine Rui and her son are like a cancer, spreading their evil influence throughout the palace. I can hardly bear the thought of them!'

Rong Xiang watched, fascinated, as his mother's emotions simmered just below the surface, her anger and hatred for Concubine Rui and Rong Muyang barely contained. He knew that she had good reason to feel this way, given the history between them, but he also knew that he had to tread carefully, lest he fan the flames of her anger and create even more turmoil in the palace."

"Rong Xiang placed a soothing hand on his mother's arm, trying to calm the storm brewing within her. 'Do not worry, Mother,' he said, his voice gentle and reassuring. 'I will not let them succeed. I was careless that night, but I have learned from my mistakes. I will not repeat them.'

Concubine Li's gaze lingered on her son's face, searching for any sign of doubt or weakness. But Rong Xiang's eyes met hers with a steady determination, his jaw set in a firm line. Slowly, her grip on the handkerchief relaxed, and her breathing steadied.

'You are my son,' she said, her voice filled with pride and conviction. 'You are the future Emperor. I will not let anyone bring you down, least of all that treacherous Concubine Rui and her son.'

Rong Xiang nodded, a small smile playing on his lips. 'I will not disappoint you, Mother. I promise.'"

"Concubine Li's heart softened as she gazed at her son's smiling face, a rare sight that she cherished deeply. Rong Xiang had always been a serious child, his expression stern and unyielding, even as a young boy. But with her, he had always been different. She remembered the few times he had smiled in her presence, his eyes crinkling at the corners, and his face lighting up with a warmth that made her heart skip a beat.

As she looked at him now, she felt a surge of love and pride. This was her son, the future Emperor, and yet, in this moment, he was just a young man, vulnerable and uncertain. She reached out a hand and gently stroked his cheek, her touch tender and comforting.